I think to be honest - you have to be very clear in your own mind -about what you want to achieve. What you can afford to achieve, how much time and money you can devote to it.

Its just like any other job really. Paul simon once said , there are no problems that can't be sorted out in the studio - but most people have budgetary constraints. And also most people find recording a bit of a chore - recording's still a bit of a trainspotters world - people who get anal and anoraky about dropping in, decibels, vu meters and the like. So when you can't stand another bloody minute - its good to let some other character wear the headphones.

Tom's idea about doing rough demos at least on your home recording gear is very good.

I know a guy told me his band spent two years as Ringo Starr's tax loss in a studio - sessions supervised by George Martin etc. and no one ever intended to release the album. It was Ringo's accountant's idea to make the money go round another time - hiring out the studio that Ringo owned. the studio - big or small - needs to know you're not in a situation like that - you want product, and you want it in a limited time, and to a limited budget.

Unless you're in a situation with an large budget - you need a dogged plan. You need a competent guy on the desk - someone who knows his gear and has produced something approaching what you want in the past. Ask him bluntly if he can help you achieve what you want within the constraints.